TOP OF THE NEWS

Pay rises for low-wage workers

More low-wage workers should get higher salary increases this year after the National Wages Council raised the $1,200 basic monthly pay threshold of these workers to $1,300. The council has also recommended that they receive built-in increments of between $50 and $70.

TOP OF THE NEWS

Pedra Branca case weak: Jaya

It was no surprise the Malaysian government has withdrawn its applications on Pedra Branca, said Singapore's former deputy prime minister S. Jayakumar.

He said Malaysia's applications made to the International Court of Justice last year had "very weak legal basis".

WORLD

Thai temple probe hots up

More senior monks could be arrested in the coming weeks amid a probe by Thai investigators into temple-related crimes in one of the biggest clampdowns in recent years. Sixty temples across the country are under probe for suspected illegal financial dealings, while seven senior monks have already been arrested during temple raids last week.

WORLD

Trade row spurs China reform

From lowering import tariffs to quickening the pace of opening up in some sectors to the pledge to better protect intellectual property, United States President Donald Trump's tough trade policy on China has unintentionally led Beijing to take actions that are beneficial to its economy, Chinese analysts said.

OPINION

Figuring out India's stance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech today at the Shangri-La Dialogue will be scrutinsed for clues on what India will do in the face of an increasingly assertive China, says associate editor Ravi Velloor.

HOME

Tech won't displace schools

Although technology may change the way education is delivered, schools will still be the mainstay for learning. Education Minister Ong Ye Kung said schools will remain relevant, as transmission of values, as well as students learning from each other and from lecturers and mentors, cannot be replaced.

HOME

More turn to psychics for pets

Some pet owners in Singapore are hiring people who claim to be able to communicate with animals telepathically or remotely. Business has increased for these pet psychics, who are paid $150 or more a session.

BUSINESS

High expectation for GLS site

A 99-year leasehold site in Dairy Farm Road launched yesterday under the confirmed list of the Government Land Sales (GLS) programme is expected to see keen interest from developers, market watchers said. There is also a strong prospect for two reserve list sites - one in Sims Drive and the other in Tampines Avenue 10 - to be triggered for sale, they added.

SPORT

Cook healthy for ST Run

Participants in the sixth instalment of The Straits Times Run can sign up for a cooking class led by Hed Chef Hedy Khoo on June 30. The session will be conducted at Cookyn Inc in Toa Payoh from 9am to 1pm, as part of the build-up to the annual run. The cooking class is capped at 60 participants, and the minimum age is seven years old. Ms Khoo said the tasks will be tailored for the everyday home cook.